Marcus Rashford’s representatives have engaged in discussions with AC Milan as the Italian giants aim for a loan move for the Manchester United forward in the January transfer window.

AC Milan’s interest in Rashford surfaced earlier this month after the forward indicated he might seek a new challenge away from Manchester United. Rashford’s brother and agent, Dwaine Maynard, was in Milan on Tuesday to discuss the potential transfer with the newly crowned Italian Super Cup winners.

Further discussions with AC Milan regarding Rashford’s signing are anticipated. Borussia Dortmund is also interested in Rashford, while Juventus and Galatasaray have expressed their interest as well.

Currently, AC Milan sits eighth in Serie A, having struggled to find the net this season.

Rashford’s representatives were in Italy on Tuesday to hold talks with AC Milan, which have emerged as leading contenders to secure a deal for the forward this month.

Last month, Rashford admitted he is seeking a “new challenge” away from Manchester United. The club’s struggles led to the departure of head coach Paulo Fonesca last month, with Sergio Conceicao now at the helm.

Conceicao guided AC Milan to a 3-2 victory over city rivals Inter in the Italian Super Cup on Monday, with England international Tammy Abraham netting a stoppage-time winner.

Rashford’s former Manchester United teammate, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, is a key figure at AC Milan, serving as a senior adviser to the club’s ownership.

Manchester United ideally wants to sell Rashford for £40 million, but his wages of over £325,000 per week pose a significant obstacle. The club is open to loans with an obligation to buy, and several clubs have shown interest.

Rashford has turned down offers from Saudi Arabia, preferring to remain in Europe to further his England career. His preferred destination was Spain, but that option seems unlikely until the summer and would depend on his performance in the second half of the season.

United is eager to offload players to bring in those more suited to head coach Amorim’s system, with a striker and left wing-back considered priorities. However, they are constrained by PSR guidelines after spending heavily under Erik ten Hag.

Rashford was excluded from four consecutive matchday squads by Amorim last month, returning to the bench against Newcastle last week. The 27-year-old missed Manchester United’s 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday due to illness.